Why is the bible sold in the non fiction section when it is clearly fiction?

Answer 1

'Cause they don't want to insult the delusional people that would buy it.

Answer 2

Besides the fact that it offers us the power to change lives, there are many people like the following three, who assures us that it is not fiction.


Dr. W. F. Albright, perhaps the most famous archaeologist of the twentieth century, said: “There can be no doubt that archaeology has confirmed the substantial historicity of Old Testament tradition.”
—Archaeology and the Religion of Israel (Baltimore, Md.: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1942), p. 176.


Millar Burrows, from Yale: “On the whole, however, archaeological work has unquestionably strengthened confidence in the reliability of the Scriptural record. More than one archaeologist has found his respect for the Bible increased by the experience of excavation in Palestine.”
—What Mean These Stones? (New Haven, Conn.: American Schools of Oriental Research, 1941), p. 1.


K. A. Kitchen: “In terms of general reliability. . . . the Old Testament comes out remarkably well, so long as its writings and writers are treated fairly and evenhandedly.”—On the Reliability of the Old Testament
(Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2003), p. 500.

Answer 3

Because it is not _clearly_ fiction. Many people believe that it represents an accurate portrayal of the events it narrates.

Fiction is a term for a genre of writing whose clear intent is to portray events that are not real. Note the disclaimer that is at the beginning of many works of fiction.

I agree with you that the narratives in the Bible are not reliable history. But the Bible is a sacred scripture, and that is its historical impact. It is not like The Lord of the Rings, i. e. _clearly_ fiction.

Answer 4

It's in the non-fiction section because it IS non-fiction! Why do you think it's fiction? I've seen Jesus work in my life every single day. If you accept Him, you'll always have someone by your side, no matter what. I'm NOT just saying that. For example, our friend has cancer, and one of her relatives made a blog. They want at least 50,000 prayers/visitors. I've been praying for her constantly, and I know a lot of other people have too. She's been getting a lot better, and that's living proof that the bible, and Jesus are NONFICTION!!!!!

Answer 5

It's generally sold in the "Religion and Spirituality" section. Besides, you can't prove it's fiction. And no it is not clear it is fiction. If all the writings written by the disciples and the Prophets were false, why write them? Of the original twelve disciples (except Judas) John was the only one who wasn't killed by the Romans or Jews. They didn't get rich, get power, or fame. So why write it?

God Bless,
Elisha

Answer 6

I've never seen a Bible in the non-fiction section and I frequent book stores quite often. I've only noticed them in the religious section.

Answer 7

Since you are the authority on fiction/non-fiction classification, can we send you a list of books and have you decide where they go?

I have a book on evolution, I think it belongs in the comedy section.

Answer 8

Maybe because there exists more than 2 sections in a bookstore...

Answer 9

Because it's not "clearly fiction."

While parts of it are poetry and prayer, other parts of it actually happened and can be confirmed as such. Kings, Chronicles, yadda yadda.

Answer 10

I'm not sure. But if you really wanted an answer you'd ask the Bookstore manager and not us.

Answer 11

i agree. but the bible should definitly not be in any sections. there should be a section called "bible". so nobody gets offended.